Parking Permits to Parents of Autistic Children

Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz has ordered issuance of disability parking permits to parents of children diagnosed with autism.

By Hana Levi Julian, MSW, LCSW-R

First Publish: 6/24/2012, 3:21 PM

Minister Yisrael Katz

Flash 90

Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz has ordered officials to continue issuing disability parking permits to parents of children diagnosed with autism.

The move comes in direct contradiction with an order issued last week by the government, which had decided to stop issuing the passes.

Katz said he authorized the continuation after he discovered the vast majority of requests for the passes had been denied in recent months by the medical board in charge of issuing the passes.

He said that he believes the passes are “very important” to the families of autistic children as it makes it far easier for the families to ensure their mobility.

Children with autism -- and particularly those who are young -- are often extremely difficult for their parents and caregivers to manage. Such children can be impulsive, stubborn and hyperactive, and also find it difficult to cooperate when there is a change in routine.

As a result, it is especially important for parents to find parking as close to their destination as possible in order to ensure their children's safety, as well as the safety of those around them.